An Extinction Rebellion protestor is arrested by police at City Airport in London, Britain, on Oct. 10, 2019. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)
London Mayor Sadiq Khan strongly condemned the protesters who targeted London Underground as well as the DLR, saying this "illegal action is extremely dangerous, counterproductive and is causing unacceptable disruption to Londoners who use public transport to get to work."
The Metropolitan Police imposed a public order ban prohibiting Extinction Rebellion activities anywhere in London, but the ban has been widely ignored by some activists.
Police in London have made over 1,700 arrests since the start of the campaign last week. Most have been bailed to appear before magistrates in November.
LONDON, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- A judge in London Thursday refused to hear a challenge by climate change campaigners against a police ban on their protests in the British capital.
It means the London-wide ban by the Metropolitan Police on Extinction Rebellion protests will continue Friday, and at the weekend until next week.
Hours earlier protests caused major problems for commuters when activists climbed onto London Underground trains or glued themselves to the sides of trains.
Activists climbed on to trains at Stratford, Canning Town and Shadwell during Thursday's rush hour.
The protests led to the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) being temporarily suspended. Eight protesters were arrested.
An Extinction Rebellion protestor demonstrates at City Airport in London, Britain, on Oct. 10, 2019. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)
Some commuters were seen to drag climate change protesters from the roof of a London Underground train, prompting police to issue a warning.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan strongly condemned the protesters who targeted London Underground as well as the DLR.
Khan said: "This illegal action is extremely dangerous, counterproductive and is causing unacceptable disruption to Londoners who use public transport to get to work."
The Metropolitan Police imposed a public order ban on Monday prohibiting Extinction Rebellion activities anywhere in London, but the ban has been widely ignored by some activists.
A lawyer representing activists asked for a fast-tracked hearing to take place Friday to challenge the order, but Justice Dingemans, a judge of the High Court of Justice, rejected the call Thursday.
The protesters wanted the ban lifted ahead of the end of the two-week campaign on Oct. 19.
Police in London have made over 1,700 arrests since the start of the campaign last week. Most have been bailed to appear before magistrates in November. ■
